'Rat roundup' set to begin in the Bronx

January 11, 2008 7:05:05 AM PST

Eyewitness News

NEW YORK --

New York City's health department is going high-tech to combat the plague of rats in the Bronx. Inspectors in the Enhanced Rodent Control Program will use handheld computers to list rodent "hot spots" throughout the Bronx.

Under the new program city inspectors will be able to inspect 200 buildings a day and target entire blocks at a time.

Once rodents are detected through the device, landlords will receive a letter demanding they take care of the problem within five days or face fines. And just to make sure the problem is taken care of, inspectors will return to the building.

Right now the city deals with the rat complaints on an individual basis.

If the new program is successful officials say it will be implemented city-wide.